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India Eisley Interview: Show Biz Runs in the Family of 'The Secret Life of the American Teenager' Star

Best known for playing Ashley Juergens in the ABC Family teen drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager, India Joy Eisley was born on October 29, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are actress Olivia Hussey (famous for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo & Juliet) and actor/musician David Glen Eisley.

The Secret Life of the American Teenager takes a look at the relationships between teenagers, and especially focuses on Amy Juergens (Shallene Woodley) who juggles life, motherhood, and high school. The series first aired on July 1, 2008, is currently on hiatus after finishing a third season, but will return in 2011 with all new episodes.

“There is a human side. I also think that sometimes people, whether it’s their characters or other characters on the show, forget that young people are allowed to change and develop.”

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): India, you were raised in an acting family, so did that influence your career choice?

India Eisley: I’ve always had an interest in it because I love movies. But I think growing up on sets and stuff was nice because I got to see both sides to it. I got to see the work part and the creative part also. It wasn’t like I just went into it not knowing what to expect.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Was your first professional job the film Headspace?

India Eisley: You know, I don’t even count that (laughs). Honestly, I had like two lines and it got cut out in the final thing. It was just for fun really because my mom was in the film. I was there and they hadn’t found anyone for this part so they said, “Why don’t you do it?” It’s not something I really count as a job. I’ve done a few small independent films.

India Eisley (Photo by Tyler Shields)

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Secret Life was created by Brenda Hampton, creator of 7th Heaven. I found it interesting that your dad appeared in a couple of episodes of 7th Heaven.

India Eisley: Oh yes he did.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Have you watched all of your parents’ work in films and on television?

India Eisley: Well, of course, I’ve seen most of my mother’s work. I’ve seen a couple of my dad’s stuff, but I’ve seen more of his music and touring gigs.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Have you ever thought it might be fun for either of them to guest star on Secret Life?

India Eisley: No! No! No! I don’t think so, no (laughs).

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): I remember seeing your mom in Romeo & Juliet. She was 15 years old and had a nude scene. How do you think she’d feel if you were offered a nude scene in a film?

India Eisley: I don’t think it would really bother her at all or my dad either because they’re creative and their jobs are in entertainment as well. But I’d only be comfortable, I think, if it was there for a reason.

I think if they show it just for shock … I really don’t know why they would use it for shock at all. I mean, it’s the human body. I don’t see what’s so prohibited about it. But it would have to be there for a reason and not just there to be there.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Have you found that people in the industry treat you differently or maybe a bit better because of who your parents are?

India Eisley: No, not really. Unless you really emphasize on it, I don’t think it occurs to people.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Did you audition for the role of Ashley?

India Eisley: Yes, I went through a lot of callbacks.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): You were 13 when you started?

India Eisley: I had just turned 14 and have been on the series for three years.

India Eisley: Well, you’ll just kind of have to watch and see. I think the Grant thing doesn’t really pan out. But I’m enjoying playing her this past season more than the others because we’re starting to show other layers of her that people have not seen. They’ve only seen the gruff, dry wit side. There are vulnerabilities, too.

There is a human side. I also think that sometimes people, whether it’s their characters or other characters on the show, forget that young people are allowed to change and develop. It will be fun if we get to see more sensitivity from her and see her emotions unravel a bit.

India Eisley: Not yet because I really haven’t had much time, but I’m studying the booklet little by little. I’m not in a huge rush.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Have your parents taught you how to drive?

India Eisley: I know the physical part of it. I’m not very good at written tests in general (laughs). I kind of sit there and everything leaves my head. But the physical part of it is not a problem.

Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): What do you like to do when you’re not filming?

India Eisley: Well, we see movies all of the time. We see at least two films a week at the theatre. I love cooking and baking and I’m starting to get into sewing. I’m very excited because I just bought a very old vintage sewing machine and it works very well.

India Eisley: Not singing, not unless I had to sing in a role (laughs). I would love to get into films because that’s basically why I got into acting in the first place. I just love movies so much. There is nothing better than a good movie.

2 Comments

I’ve seen India interviewed live and she has such an intelligent, interesting, and enigmatic personality. Unfortunately Ashley is poorly written in ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’, and India is given very little to work with – a great shame because I don’t think we’ve scratched the surface of this girls abilities.

I believe most viewers are attracted to drama, and love to hear interesting, non-boring interviews with the real life cast members. Someone such as India Eisley, who you expect to be the same as her character is completely different. She is boring in the least, and as a viewer and an intelligent person, it’s obvious that that’s not always possible. She could be a little more interesting. Although, one should always be their self. Kepp up the good work, India. Can’t wait for the next season!